"Not so, your Excellency. My man is a Susquehannock."
"I believe I may lay claim to the fellow, Sir William," said the Colonel, wiping his eyes.
"Is he the Indian who was whipt the other day?" asked Sir Charles, taking snuff.
"For stealing fire-water—yes."
The Governor began to laugh again. "Of course you will release the rascal, Colonel? The Blue Mountains threaten war if you do not. Fling yourself into the breach, and so prevent a 'scandal to the community and a menace to the State,' to quote your words of this morning. Consistency is a jewel, Dick the Peacemaker. Wherefore let the savage go."
"I 'll be d—d if I do!" cried the Colonel.
The Governor, shaking with laughter, got to his feet. At a signal his groom brought up his horse and held the stirrup for him to mount. His Excellency swung himself into the saddle and gathered the reins into his gauntleted hands; the remainder of the company, too, got to horse. The Governor's steed, a fiery, coal black Arabian, danced with impatience.
"Selim scents a fray!" cried his Excellency. "Come on, gentlemen! 'Twill be sunset before we reach that sweet piece of earth behind Verney's orchard."
The half king rose from his scat, took three measured strides, and stood side by side with the Ricahecrian chief.
"My white father will give to the Ricahecrian the gift he asks?"